UFC champ Anthony Pettis to be first MMA fighter to appear on Wheaties box

For the first time in companies 91-year history, Wheaties will feature a mixed martial artist as the cover athlete on the front of the famed cereal box.

On Thursday, the UFC and Wheateis announced UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis had won the Wheaties NEXT Challenge, which encouraged fans to vote for their favorite athlete by logging workouts through the MapMyFitness platform. Over 71,000 people participated in the Wheaties NEXT Challenge with Pettis fans logging a total of 324,025 workouts, powering him to the top of the leaderboard.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anthony Pettis to the Wheaties family and congratulate him and his fans on their remarkable effort and accomplishment,” said David Oehler, marketing manager for Wheaties. “It has been inspiring to see communities across America get out and move this summer by supporting the athletes and the sports they love.”

Additionally, the champion selected two charities, Gadzuric Foundation and Exploit No More, to receive a donation from General Mills based upon the number of workouts logged for Pettis.

Pettis, who hasn’t fought since winning belt at UFC 164 in August 2013, will next be seen coaching opposite Gilbert Melendez on The Ultimate Fighter 20, which is currently set to begin airing on September 10. The two coaches will then fight for the belt at UFC 181 on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.